All articles tagged with #judaism
A Monsey teenager’s tefillin app marked a milestone by reaching 100,000 tefillin, celebrated at an inspiring community event that highlighted the app’s impact on daily observance and communal engagement.
A man rammed his car into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, starting a fire as security guards shot at him; the suspect was found dead in the car. One security guard was injured, but children and synagogue staff were unharmed. The FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
The second season of 'Nobody Wants This' improves on some stereotypes about Judaism and its characters, with more nuanced portrayals and Jewish moments, but ultimately reinforces the idea that Judaism is about vibes rather than ritual or commitment, leading to a somewhat superficial depiction of the religion.
The Jewish community mourns the loss of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a beloved figure in the UAE known for his vibrant personality and dedication to Jewish life. Known affectionately as "Rabbi Steve," Kogan was a trendsetter who embraced Chabad teachings and was instrumental in fostering Jewish community connections in the region. His selfless acts, such as delivering wine for Rosh Hashanah in Uman and running a kosher grocery store, exemplified his commitment to others. Tragically, Kogan was killed while heroically defending against a terrorist attack, leaving behind a legacy of optimism, laughter, and community service.
IDF soldiers mistakenly killed a 63-year-old Palestinian convert to Judaism, David Ben Avraham, near Elazar in the West Bank, suspecting him of being a security risk. The man, known as Saamach Zeitoun before his conversion, did not exhibit any threatening behavior, but soldiers became suspicious when he got off a bus near Jewish residences. After finding a kitchen knife in his bag, they shot him, despite no evidence of an attempted attack. The incident raises questions about the soldiers' actions and adds to a series of wrongful mistaken killings in the region.
Pope Francis condemned antisemitism as a "sin against God" and expressed concern over the increase in attacks against Jews worldwide. He called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and reiterated the need for peace in the Holy Land, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanukkah, also known as the "festival of lights," is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah each night for eight consecutive nights. The holiday is celebrated by lighting menorahs in households and public spaces, giving to charity, and emphasizing the theme of bringing light into darkness. Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 7 to December 15 in 2023.
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for Jews. It concludes a 10-day period called the "Days of Awe" that begins with Rosh Hashanah. On Yom Kippur, Jews reflect on their misdeeds and sins, seeking forgiveness through worship and prayer. Many observe a fast from sunset to sunset, abstaining from food, water, and certain activities. The day is spent in introspection, either at a synagogue or at home, and is followed by a meal to break the fast.
Alex Edelman's one-man show "Just for Us" tackles the place of Jews on the "spectrum of whiteness" and the limits of empathy through a mix of stand-up comedy and storytelling. The show, which originated in London and has played in Edinburgh, Washington, and Off Broadway, recently opened on Broadway. Edelman's encounter with white supremacists at a get-together in Queens serves as a launching point for his exploration of identity-based hatred and the idea of empathy. Despite its rabbi-on-Ritalin aesthetic, the show is thoughtful and high-minded, with a mission statement to open a conversation about race, religion, and the limits of empathy.
French author Anne Berest's book "The Postcard" is a part detective story, part examination of French attitudes toward Judaism. The book is based on an unsigned postcard that reached the Berest family home in 2003, which listed the names of four family members who died in Auschwitz in 1942. Berest embarked on an investigation of the mysterious piece of correspondence, which led her to relive some of the grimmest hours of France’s recent history and to examine her own experience of being Jewish. The book recreates in stunning detail the lives of Berest’s lost family members and weaves them into a detective story, loosely centered on the postcard.
Sofia Richie has announced that she has converted to Judaism ahead of her wedding to music executive Elliot Grainge. She shared her journey on Instagram, thanking cantor Nathan Lam for his help. The couple got engaged in April 2022 and have been sharing glimpses of their wedding planning process on social media. Richie's father, Lionel Richie, has given his approval of the relationship.
Model Sofia Richie revealed on her Instagram Story that she converted to Judaism ahead of her wedding to fiancé Elliot Grainge. Richie thanked a cantor for helping her throughout her journey to change her religion. Richie was raised Christian, while Grainge was raised Jewish and had a bar mitzvah. The couple got engaged in April 2022 and celebrated their bridal shower in February. Richie previously dated Scott Disick for nearly three years.
Sofia Richie has converted to Judaism ahead of her wedding to fiancé Elliot Grainge, who is Jewish. The model shared the news on her Instagram Stories, thanking cantor Nathan Lam for helping her along the journey. Richie has previously attended a Christian school but referred to faith as her "main ground" and "the most interesting thing in my life." The couple got engaged last April and are set to tie the knot this year.
Model Sofia Richie has announced that she has converted to Judaism ahead of her wedding to fiancé Elliot Grainge, who is Jewish. The Christian-born Richie said that the conversion has been one of the greatest experiences of her life. The couple got engaged in April 2022 and started dating in early 2021. Richie recently celebrated her bridal shower, which featured a custom-made bar, floral-adorned cakes, and even Elliot himself.
Micaela Diamond, known for her role in Broadway's "Parade," discusses her Jewish upbringing and how it influences her performance in the show. Diamond, who grew up singing in her local synagogue, sees her role in "Parade" as a way to start nuanced discussions about what it means to be Jewish and how hatred is inherited. She prioritizes self-care and gathers with other Jewish cast members to pray before each performance. Diamond also sings and discusses Joni Mitchell's "Cactus Tree" in a video for T Magazine.